Butler Buzz
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ACECQA OSHC Documentation Changes
By now, you've probably heard about the changes to OSHC Documentation that came into effect as of 1 July 2023 for South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria (for Western Australia check legislation for commencement date). We know! So many changes to tackle in one year! But don't worry, we are here to support you and reduce compliance confusion.
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Childcare Jobs: Finding the right job, identifying red flags, and nailing your interview
Are you looking for a new job in childcare? Here are some tips on finding the right childcare job for you, avoiding red flag centres and directors, and nailing that interview once you find the right service for you! -
NQF Changes to Know About
So much has changed this year! Don't fall behind... Here is a recap of all the NQF changes to know about. -
NAIDOC Week and Beyond
NAIDOC Week is a significant event in Australia that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For educators in early childhood education, this annual observance offers a valuable opportunity to engage young children in learning about Indigenous cultures, fostering respect, and promoting reconciliation. In this article, we explore NAIDOC Week using a EYLF lens and provide program suggestions and examples. Download your Free Programming Spread Example here.
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Early Childhood and Development: EYLF and NQS
Early childhood development is a crucial period that lays the foundation for a child's future growth and success. During this period, children go through significant changes in their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. In this article, we will discuss the critical developmental milestones that children go through during early childhood, in the context of the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards.
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Tax Tips for Early Childhood Educators in Australia
As an early childhood educator in Australia, you have unique opportunities to reduce your tax liability and maximise your income. In this blog post, we'll explore some tax tips specifically tailored for Australian early childhood educators.
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Child Care Subsidy changes begin in July: What you need to know
As of July, changes to the Child Care Subsidy will be implemented by the Department of Education. This includes the 1st of July when the gap fee must be paid electronically and the 10th July when new subsidy rates come into effect. Here's everything you need to know to get ready. -
What's new: Diary and Resource Changes
What a big start to 2023 with the introduction of the new Frameworks. We have redesigned our Diaries and introduced new resources to represent the new Early Years Learning Framework and My Time Our Place Framework. While redesigning, we also took a look at our current Diaries to simplify and make documentation clearer. Find out what's new at Butler Diaries!
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Are Early Childhood Educators Mandatory Reporters?
Early childhood educators play an important role in the lives of young children. They are responsible for providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. However, with this responsibility comes the duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their children. One way they do this is by being mandatory reporters. -
Key Roles in Early Education and Care Services
The key roles in Early Education and Care Services act to drive leadership of the service to empower staff, support families, and provide quality care to children in Early Learning Services. Here are the key responsibilities of each position along with tools and resources to support staff in their roles.
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Critical Reflection Prompts for Early Childhood Educators
As an educator in an early learning centre, you have the opportunity to impact the lives of young children and help shape their future. You are not just a teacher, but also a caregiver and role model for these children. With this great responsibility comes the need for critical reflection on your practice as an educator.
Reflecting on your practice means taking time to critically examine your actions, thoughts, and feelings about your work with children. This process can help you identify areas where you can improve, as well as areas where you are doing well.
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Early Childhood and Technology: The Role in Early Learning Centres
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it is inevitable that it will continue to play a significant role in shaping our future. The use of technology in early childhood education has become a topic of debate among parents, educators, and policy-makers. Some argue that technology should be integrated into early childhood learning, while others believe it can have negative effects on child development. In this article, we will explore the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards and their recommendations for the use of technology in early childhood education. -
A Guide to Setting Up Compost in your Early Learning Centre
By participating in the composting process, children can develop a sense of responsibility and ownership over their environment, as well as a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Additionally, composting can be used as a way to teach children about the interconnectedness of living systems and the importance of conservation and stewardship of natural resources. -
2023/2024 Financial Year Diaries
Are you looking for 2023/2024 Financial Year Diaries? We’ve got some big news for you! We have listened to feedback and are happy to announce you can expect something new and better in 2024!
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MTOP and EYLF Planning Cycle Explained: V2.0
Here we have another article from our EYLF and MTOP V2.0 Series that explains the MTOP and EYLF V2.0 Planning Cycle. As well as explaining the EYLF Planning Cycle, we break down the process and walk you through examples.
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Changes to Assessment and Rating 2023: Are you Ready?
From 2023, there are changes coming to Assessment and Ratings that impact you and your service. The goal of the changes is continuous quality improve across children's education and care. The announcement was made by the Australian Children's Education and Care Authority (ACECQA). What's changing for Assessment and Rating in 2023? -
Updated EYLF and MTOP V2.0 Learning Outcomes for your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diary
Your Programming and Reflection Pack just got bigger! Not only does it include Print-Ready Photo Evidence for your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diary, but it now also includes an Updated EYLF and MTOP V2.0 Learning Outcome template so you can start using the V2.0 Frameworks now. Yes, we are continuing the goal of no more sticky fingers!
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5 Stimulating Easter STEM Experiences (with links to EYLF) to do in your Early Learning Centre
Easter is a time for celebration, fun and learning! It is also a great opportunity to engage young children in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experiences. STEM experiences help children develop critical thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Here are ten STEM experiences that are perfect for early childhood education and care services during the Easter season. -
The Evidence Behind the Culturally Responsive Calendar
Our Culturally Responsive Year is a monthly calendar designed to highlight the culturally competent and responsive practices carried out in the ECE Setting. It is a monthly reminder to actively involve children in cultural practices and activities as well as a record of the experiences for parents and assessors to view. It supports you to "build it in" rather than "bolt it on" to your program and practice. Write stories, draw pictures, or stick in photos to document your month and maintain a record of experiences for parents and assessors to view. -
Tips for Reflecting on Intentional Teaching
Intentional teaching involves "deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful" decisions in your environments, interactions and children's learning. The documentation you keep must show intentional teaching practices at its core. Here we break down Intentional Teaching Strategies and reflecting on these in your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diaries. -
"Beautiful and Visually Appealing": A Case Study
We love seeing the different ways educators are adding their own personality to their documentation. We checked out the Torquay Kids' teams Diaries and saw how educators are using different methods such as highlighting and photos to complete planning and reflections. -
"It's doing your work for you" A Case Study
"I don't know where it has been all my life."
Leanne is a veteran Educator in the industry for nearly 40 years. As a relief worker, she visits many centres with different philosophies and practices. When asked about her practice and method, she points to the Butler Method supporting her in her programming and practice. Leanne feels the Butler Method has simplified her documentation and helped her meet her obligations. She has described the diary as doing her work for her.
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The Importance of Critical Reflection in Early Childhood Education
Critical reflection – the process of carefully evaluating the outcomes of our actions – can help us to improve our educational methods, and thus to better meet the needs of the children in our care. Critical reflection is a skill that comes with time and experience, but it’s well worth putting in the effort to hone it, as it will help you to continuously learn and improve your practice over time. Read on to find out more about how you can apply critical reflection in your early childhood education centre. -
Print Ready Photo Evidence for your Weekly Programming and Reflection Child Educator Diary
We have created print ready photo templates to make providing photo evidence easier. They are the perfect size to print and stick into your Weekly Programming and Reflection Diary. The Design is drag and drop friendly and works with Free Canva Accounts. Learn more... -
Unpacking the New EYLF V 2.0 and MTOP V 2.0 Frameworks
Updates to the EYLF and MTOP have been released in 2023. The new Approved Learning Frameworks will be recognised alongside the 2012 Frameworks until early 2024 in which V2.0 will replace V1.0. Here we unpack the changes to support you in your planning, QIP and reflective discussions to get ready for the changes. -
Compliance Information and Butler Diaries for your Childcare Service
In Early Childhood Education and Outside School Hours Care Services, you are obligated to comply with regulations, laws, and be governed by best practice. This can easily lead to compliance confusion and leave you unsure of how to best meet your obligations as a service provider in Australia. Butler Diaries is here to support you in simplifying your compliance documentation to minimise confusion and provide you with a simple to use system for staying compliant with your documentation.
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Rated Exceeding "The Department Love It": A Case Study
We were lucky enough to be invited into Brady Bunch at Hervey Bay. This is one of their three Queensland centres with another three down South. The absolutely wonderful team took us through their service and how they achieved an Exceeding Rating. Brady Bunch completely flipped their planning and programming method and introduced the Butler Method is 2021. -
A $$$ Allowance for Educational Leaders
Good news for Educational Leaders! From the 1st of this month, Educational Leaders will receive an allowance of $4,022.05. The role of Educational Leader is not an easy one and holds a lot of responsibility. We understand and have developed the Educational Leader Diary to help support you in your everyday role with prompts and by capturing documentation of your practices.
